Meaning of Word
The term “weather” refers to the atmospheric conditions in a particular place at a particular time, including factors such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Meteorological Conditions: “Weather” refers to the day-to-day atmospheric conditions such as rain, sunshine, wind, or snow.
- State of the Atmosphere: The term is used to describe the overall state of the atmosphere over a short period, like hours or days.
- Endure or Withstand: As a verb, “weather” can mean to withstand or endure certain conditions, particularly harsh ones.
History and Origin
The word “weather” comes from the Old English weder, which referred to wind or the general condition of the air. It is related to the Proto-Germanic weder and is thought to be linked to the concept of seasonal change and atmospheric shifts observed by early humans. Over time, it came to denote all types of atmospheric phenomena.
Detailed Explanation
“Weather” encompasses the specific atmospheric conditions experienced at any given time or place. It includes factors like:
- Temperature: How hot or cold it is.
- Precipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Wind: The movement of air, which can affect temperature and comfort.
- Cloud Cover: The amount of cloud cover, from clear skies to overcast conditions.
Weather can change rapidly, which is why meteorologists predict it daily, helping people prepare for conditions like storms or sunshine. The study of weather is called meteorology.
In a broader, non-meteorological sense, “weather” can also mean the ability to survive or endure difficult circumstances, such as in “weathering the storm.”
Example Sentences
- The weather today is sunny with a slight breeze.
- We had to postpone the outdoor event due to bad weather.
- The weather report predicts heavy rain tomorrow.
- The weather turned cold in the evening, requiring jackets.
- The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so be prepared.
- He weathered the storm by staying inside with his family.
- The weather conditions were perfect for a day at the beach.
- The weather in the desert can be extremely hot during the day and cold at night.
- We are tracking the weather closely as the hurricane approaches.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Climatic conditions: Refers to the overall weather patterns and trends in a specific region, similar to “weather” but over a longer term.
- Atmosphere: The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth, which influences weather, often used in a broader scientific context.
- Meteorological conditions: Refers specifically to weather as studied in meteorology, similar to “weather” but often more technical.
- Forecast: A prediction of what the weather will be like in the future, often based on current weather patterns.
- Environmental conditions: A broader term that includes weather but also refers to other natural factors affecting the environment.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Climate: The long-term average of weather conditions in a specific area, as opposed to daily weather.
- Temperature: The measure of heat, a key component of weather.
- Precipitation: Any form of water, such as rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the ground.
- Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air, affecting how hot or cold weather feels.
- Wind: The movement of air that can influence weather conditions, such as temperature or storm systems.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Weather forecast: A prediction about the weather, usually for a specific period in the future.
- Weather conditions: A general term that refers to the various aspects of weather like temperature, rain, and wind.
- Weather pattern: A recurring and predictable pattern of weather conditions in a particular area over time.
- Severe weather: Refers to extreme weather conditions like storms, hurricanes, or blizzards.
- Weather system: A collection of atmospheric phenomena that together create a particular type of weather, such as a low-pressure system or a cold front.
Antonyms
- Calm: Describes the absence of wind or extreme weather, opposite of turbulent weather.
- Fair weather: Refers to pleasant or ideal weather conditions, the opposite of stormy or extreme weather.
- Clear skies: When there are no clouds or storms in the sky, often used in contrast to cloudy or stormy weather.
- Stillness: The lack of wind, the opposite of windy weather.
- Heatwave: An extended period of excessively hot weather, often used in contrast to cooler or more variable weather conditions.